Lexical Summary Shulammith: Shulammith Original Word: שׁוּלַמִּית Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shulamite From shalam; peaceful (with the article always prefixed, making it a pet name); the Shulammith, an epithet of Solomon's queen -- Shulamite. see HEBREW shalam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition heroine of the Song of Solomon NASB Translation Shulammite (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שׁוּלַמִּית usually explained as adjective, of a people, feminine Shulammite; — with article as noun ׳הַשּׁ heroine of Songs of Songs Cant 7:1(twice in verse); = Shunammite (from שׁוּנֵם, modern Sulem), B Σουμανεῖτις; but א A Σουλαμιτις; ? compare Nabataean proper name, feminine שלימת =  ,  Lzb376. Topical Lexicon Name and Literary Context Shulammite appears exclusively in Song of Solomon, serving as the formal designation of the bride who dominates the poem’s dialogue. The title is introduced during the climactic exchange of Song of Solomon 6:13, when the chorus implores, “Come back, come back, O Shulammite”. In the unfolding love song she is at once a literal woman celebrated by Solomon and a literary figure who embodies covenant fidelity, purity, and mutual delight. Occurrences in Scripture Song of Solomon 6:13 (twice, within the Hebrew versification) is the sole explicit use of the term, making its theological weight dependent upon the broader portrayal of the bride throughout the book (cf. Song of Solomon 1:2–4, 2:1–16, 4:7–12, 7:1–10). Identity and Geographic Considerations Many commentators connect the title to the Galilean village of Shunem (compare Joshua 19:18 and 1 Samuel 28:4), relating the Shulammite to figures such as Abishag the Shunammite (1 Kings 1:3–4). Others view the name as the feminine counterpart to “Solomon,” emphasizing marital union and shared peace. Scripture itself does not settle the question, leaving the setting intentionally broad so that the bride’s virtues rather than her origin occupy center stage. Thematic Significance in Song of Solomon 1. Covenant Love: The Shulammite’s steadfast affection mirrors the covenant loyalty Yahweh desires from Israel (Hosea 2:19–20). Typological and Christological Insights For the Church, the Shulammite foreshadows the collective Bride of Christ: Practical Ministry Implications • Marriage Enrichment: Couples learn from the Shulammite to cultivate transparency, verbal affirmation, and shared spiritual identity. Historical Reception Jewish expositors traditionally view the Shulammite as personified Israel returning from exile, while patristic and Reformation writers identify her with the Church. These readings converge on the conviction that the book safeguards the sanctity of marriage and illustrates divine–human intimacy, a conviction that remains foundational in conservative theology. Related Concepts and Cross References Bride—Revelation 21:2 Beloved—Matthew 3:17 Covenant Faithfulness—Deuteronomy 7:9 Royal Marriage Psalm—Psalm 45 Restoration—Jeremiah 31:3–4 Summary Though mentioned only in a single verse, the Shulammite anchors the Song of Solomon’s portrait of covenantal love. Historical tradition, typology, and pastoral application converge to present her as both Solomon’s cherished bride and a timeless emblem of God’s redeemed people—beautiful, pursued, and destined for joyful communion with the King. Forms and Transliterations בַּשּׁ֣וּלַמִּ֔ית בשולמית הַשּׁ֣וּלַמִּ֔ית השולמית baš·šū·lam·mîṯ bashShulamMit baššūlammîṯ haš·šū·lam·mîṯ hashShulamMit haššūlammîṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 6:13 HEB: שׁ֤וּבִי שׁ֙וּבִי֙ הַשּׁ֣וּלַמִּ֔ית שׁ֥וּבִי שׁ֖וּבִי NAS: back, O Shulammite; Come back, come back, KJV: return, O Shulamite; return, INT: Come back Shulammite come back Songs 6:13 2 Occurrences |
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